Order of words

[nyggus]

Hi,

Could you tell which of those two sentences is correct:

A) 1st: 'Let us discuss the mentioned issue.' OR 2nd: 'Let us discuss the issue mentioned.'

B) The same question:
1st: 'Please find an enclosed file.' OR 2nd: 'Please find a file enclosed.'

Polish people would choose a first option in both cases, I suppose. Is it correct?

Thanks a lot,
Nyggus

[eddykk]

yes, you are right

[Tdol]

I don't agree- the second option strikes me as more natural in both cases.

[nyggus]

Well, I thought so. The first option is more natural in many languages, but not in English. It is easy to see it in the following phrase:

1st: 'Let us discuss the earlier mentioned by John issue.'
vs.
2nd: 'Let us discuss the issue mentioned earlier by John.'

The first option looks rather comical, doesn't it?

Best

Tdol, thanks a lot for all your replies!

[Tdol]

1st: 'Let us discuss the earlier mentioned by John issue.'

Would that be the word order in Polish?

[nyggus]

I would choose the 2nd option in Polish. However, in spoken Polish the 1st option can be met sometimes and it doesn't annoy. Words order is different in Polish and English; for this reason Poles quite often have problems with learning how to write in English correctly. (I suppose you can note it by reading my posts. ) However - Joseph Conrad's English was ok, I suppose, although he was a Polish novelist!

Best

[Tdol]

Some critics maintain that Conrad's choice of words was based on his early reading in English, which apparently consisted of garish adventure stories, so they say he has a slightly artificial vocabulary. I can't say I ever noticed myself, and, anyway, many of his books tend to deal with strange happenings in distant loctions. To write something as great as 'Under Western Eyes' in your third language is an achievement that is almost inconceivable.

[nyggus]

Originally Posted by tdol

Some critics maintain that Conrad's choice of words was based on his early reading in English, which apparently consisted of garish adventure stories, so they say he has a slightly artificial vocabulary. I can't say I ever noticed myself, and, anyway, many of his books tend to deal with strange happenings in distant loctions. To write something as great as 'Under Western Eyes' in your third language is an achievement that is almost inconceivable.

Anything what I can add is that I love Conrad's writing. Unfortunately, I haven't read his novels in English, but I hope to do it soon. So: I must learn English a lot! This is a great oportunity to thank you for this great site!!! Thanks a lot!!!


Best,
Nyggus

[Tdol]

He is a truly wonderful writer. He was enormously successful in hise lifetime here, then slipped out of favour, then re-emerged as one of the greats.